Operation : Winning @ Poker

Gday all,

My name is Rob, and have been lurking around this site and others for a little while now.

I have been reading through some of the beginner posts, and came across a few topics, in particular "The Newbie Circle of Death" and "How to become a poker player". At first i found them quite amusing, but then gave it a bit more thought. I know who this person they are talking about is. IT'S ME.

Yes, i deposited $50 into PS, played some long winded Tourneys, finished in the middle of the pack.....not bad for someone who hasnt played before. A few more $$$ later, I finish in the money. $2 return for my $1 + 10 investment. Still, i am beating these other players who have been playing longer than me.

Skip over some of the beginners topics, and find the "HOLY GRAIL" of poker strategies. Yep found it. Hmmm, didnt work but finishing in the top 200 now. Must be working. Maybe if i loosen up a little , that might make a difference.

NOPE.

Hmmm, find a topic on being an aggresive player. Jump back in. That sorta worked a couple of times. Start playing more hands, thats it.

NOPE.

Watch a couple of videos, play like they do. I mean, they are winning these games. (After thought - why doesnt anyone publish losing game videos ?!?)

Down to my last $20. I have had some ups and downs now, but i feel like i can play sooooo much better than when i first started. Try out these "play" money games, that will improve my game. WOW, i cant believe the run of TOP 3 finishes i am having in these games. I am so ready to get back in for real money.

WRONG.

They say the money is in these cash games. Stick to same strategies, and play best hands. Bloody cold decks, sucked out on the river....this is BS. F#$K it, my last couple of bucks, its late, i'm tired...one more game for glory....damn.....out in 5th......BR busted.

These articles i mentioned earlier are so true, and i can only suggest to new players like myself to throroughly read them before thinking of taking on the world of poker. I am sure many have been through this like myself, and i am sure many will follow in the future.

So for me, i am looking at a fresh start. I am currently accumulating a BR i want to invest into the game, and talk/listen to the "right" people to become a winning player.

Although my first set of goals aren't entirely game related, for me they are the catalyst of proving i can discipline myself for the future. From these, my goals will be to achieve certain $$$ and hand goals, whilst continuing to learn all the time.

Initial short term goals are as follows :

1. Build BR without playing to $600 (currently $420)
2. Earn enough extra $$$ to purchase PT or HEM
3. Spend 1 hour per day, studying/understanding HH on FTR
4. Spend 1 hour per day, studying/understanding leaks from previous poker gaming experiences
5. Read/understand/work through HOH Vol1
6. Look to accomplish above tasks by end of July
7. Annoy the crap out of felow members with any questions regarding above.

Regards
kolonel

1st good luck
2nd .. You really need to choose a game and stick to it initially be it SNG's MTTs or Full ring or 6max. Learn one and stick to it until you at least understand it and can beat it.

3rd.... you should still have time yet to utilise your free trials on PT and HEM.
4th... working this weekend but should be free next weekend for another sweat if you want.

5th. don't put pressure on yourself by time limiting .

6th...at $420 you already have way plenty to try applying robs noobs first 5000 hands at 10NL. Just realise that you are going to be up against a fair few regs who have worked there way through 2 and 5NL as well as a lot of crap players.

Thanks mate.

In regards to game, i will be focussing on SNG and eventually MTT.

I still have plenty of time limit left on PT, so i will be giving it a run over the following weeks till it expires. HEM will be next.

I will definately take you up on the sweat session, as i find it more educational watching and listening to live play. I got quite a lot out of the last one.

Also want to work through HH understanding and working on my reads through the gameplay. I have a small sample from what i have played, and also will be digesting other members posts.

Thanks for the advice Keith.

Regards
kolonel

Goals completed so far.........

1. Build BR without playing to $600 (currently $420)

CHECK - $625 to be precise (I do a lot of cash jobs at work). Now i need to find a site to drop it in and start some SNGs. Looking for opinions here from other members to maximise deposit.

2. Earn enough extra $$$ to purchase PT or HEM

Check - Will probably get HEM through Deuces Cracked for $56 with a 1 month description, and check out their videos as well.

5. Read/understand/work through HOH Vol1

Just read the first couple of chapters so far, and found it easier to follow than i thought.

Also watched a video(old one) from Jym @ Grinder School about playing PP, and i gotta say, the style it was presented in, makes it easier to follow. Highly recommend (if i am allowed to) this site for complete novices.

I have a 3 month subscription with GS, and the videos alone are worth it. Also had a coaching session with a guy named Glitlr (who seems to be a multitabling SNG freak), and found it most informative. Probably a little above my head at times, but also explained anything i asked him to.

Will look at playing some tables this week, once i organise the right site for playing SNGs. Will post some HH, and results based on what i have learned. According to BR Management 101, i am probably rolled to play $15 SNG, but will most likely run $5 - $10 while i am getting my feet wet. This might sound submissive, so i am open to opinions here. Also looking for opinions on DoNs.

I know this stuff is pretty basic for some of the seasoned members, but i have found this community very knowledgeable and understanding towards beginners like myself. Will be tagging along a sweat session with Keith_MM next week. Looking forward to it, as i pick up on things when you are watching at the same time, and have someone who is willing to share their time for poker.

Regards
kolonel

check out in the SNG forum which tracker they recommend. Ii think HEM is best for full ring and tourney support has improved lately . However as you want to focus on SNG's its best to go with the best software for SNGs.

Starting afresh.

Decided to deposit minimum ($50) into PS, and grind my way up playing single table SNG's. Have been watching more video's and way to much reading, and i hope to see a bit of an improvement in my game.

OK....Multi-tabled 4 games today (got a bit hectic for me at times), and came out for a good start......so far.

Total games ------------ 4
ITM ----------------------- 3
BR ------------------------ $53.42 (Had 12c left over from previous disaster)
FPP ----------------------- 60 (Don't think i will be achieving any great heights here)

Also picked up HEM, and will be studying hands from todays game. Other than the HEM website, anyone recommend another site for helpful guidance on getting the best out of it.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.20 Tournament, 100/200 Blinds 25 Ante (3 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

Button (t8250)
SB (t4050)
Hero (BB) (t1200)

Hero's M: 3.20

Preflop: Hero is BB with 5, 6
Button calls t200, 1 fold, Hero checks

Flop: (t575) 10, 8, 7 (2 players)
Hero bets t975 (All-In), Button calls t975

Turn: (t2525) A (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: (t2525) 7 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: t2525

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.20 Tournament, 75/150 Blinds (7 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

BB (t1830)
UTG (t2025)
Hero (MP1) (t1240)
MP2 (t1535)
CO (t1835)
Button (t2265)
SB (t2770)

Hero's M: 5.51

Preflop: Hero is MP1 with A, 3
UTG calls t150, Hero bets t1240 (All-In), 4 folds, BB raises to t1830 (All-In), 1 fold

Flop: (t2705) 6, 2, J (2 players, 2 all-in)

Turn: (t2705) 6 (2 players, 2 all-in)

River: (t2705) Q (2 players, 2 all-in)

Total pot: t2705

Regards
kolonel

First hand seems ok, second one is iffy. A limp from UTG is usually fairly strong, and your hand just doesn't stand up well to a call. I think we should fold here since we can conceivably eat the blinds a couple more times before we're forced to shove A3o.

I shall be from this day known as "Bubble Boy".....4th placing from 3 of 4 of last session. Still playing a bit timid i feel.

Think i might spend some time analyzing results, and hopefully plug a few holes in my game.

Total games --------------------- 8
ITM -------------------------------- 3
BR --------------------------------- $48.62
FPP ------------------------------- 64

Regards
kolonel

Sat in on sweat session with Keith_MM today, and its amazing the difference in style with players, and moreso the different types of game. Really enjoyed it today Keith. Thanks for sitting in with a couple of games of mine as well.

Only the 5 games so far today, including 2 DoN's. (sorry to put you through them Keith ). 2 out of the money, a 2nd, and "won" both DoN's.

Will play a few more tonight, and have a look at 18-45 MTT for a bit of variation, and better payout structure.

Total games ----------- 13
ITM ---------------------- 6
BR ----------------------- $49.42
FPP --------------------- 69

Regards
kolonel

Finished up with 11 games today, with my interest towards DoNs (They are becoming quite addictive Keith, but take way tooooo long....avg approx 1hr).

This next hand was quite amusing.

Was looking at victory lane, with lowest stack compulsory all-in, so i decide to call my hand, with the reasoning of 2 vs 1 to finally knock him out. We started checking away, then BANG !!!! He basically hits me between the eyes on the River, and i was dumbfounded. He had barely made a noise the last 15-20 hands, so i don't know what his thought process was.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.15 Tournament, 150/300 Blinds 30 Ante (6 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

UTG (t1260)
MP (t95)
CO (t1010)
Button (t890)
Hero (SB) (t1500)
BB (t10245)

Hero's M: 2.38

Preflop: Hero is SB with 9, 5
1 fold, MP calls t65 (All-In), 2 folds, Hero calls t150, BB checks

Flop: (t845) 7, 5, J (3 players, 1 all-in)
Hero checks, BB checks

Turn: (t845) Q (3 players, 1 all-in)
Hero checks, BB bets t9000, Hero folds

River: (t845) 6 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: t845

Short stack ended up falling away the next hand.

For the rest of the month, i want to achieve another 50 games, and improving my ITM to 65-70% (achievable ?). Then in August, aim for 300 games, as i need another 425 by 22nd November to get my $50 bonus (weeeeeee).

Was wondering if there are any other DoN regulars who might want to chat about these, as well as any suggestions from people about multitabling tools for monitors (yes, i will also do a search on it). I currently have a 22" LCD running 1440 x 900, running higher didnt really seem to make to much of a difference.

Total games ----------- 19
ITM ---------------------- 9 (47%)
BR ----------------------- $48.52
FPP --------------------- 75

Regards
kolonel

Very uneventful days play. Would like to get more games in, but with family, and feeling comfortable with 3 games at once at the moment, this is going to take a while.

Played 7 DoN, 1 SNG with a slight positive result. I feel i need to mix up game styles to keep myself interested. Was talking to Keith_MM the other night during his sweat session, and i think i might have a look at playing some cash games as well.

I would also be interested in talking to anyone who has had a bit of experience with various types of SNG's (including DoN), and get their views on playing them. I know they must be basic to some, but i am using it to better understand the game, and familiarize myself with HEM.

Hand of the day......

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.15 Tournament, 10/20 Blinds (10 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

CO (t1500)
Button (t1540)
SB (t1480)
BB (t1500)
UTG (t1480)
Hero (UTG+1) (t1500)
UTG+2 (t1500)
MP1 (t1500)
MP2 (t1500)
MP3 (t1500)

Hero's M: 50.00

Preflop: Hero is UTG+1 with 7, 7
UTG calls t20, Hero calls t20, 3 folds, MP3 calls t20, CO calls t20, 1 fold, SB calls t10, BB bets t40, UTG raises to t60, Hero calls t40, MP3 calls t40, CO calls t40, 1 fold, BB calls t20

Flop: (t320) 9, 4, 3 (5 players)
BB checks, UTG checks, Hero checks, MP3 checks, CO bets t100, BB calls t100, 1 fold, Hero calls t100, MP3 calls t100

Turn: (t720) 6 (4 players)
BB checks, Hero checks, MP3 checks, CO bets t200, 1 fold, Hero calls t200, MP3 calls t200

River: (t1320) 5 (3 players)
Hero bets t1140 (All-In), MP3 calls t1140 (All-In), 1 fold

Total pot: t3600

Brutal game at times......


Total games ----------- 27
ITM ---------------------- 48%
BR ----------------------- $49.07
FPP ---------------------- 83

Besides the HEM site, can anyone recommend any other sites, preferably cost free, for use and its features ? Or maybe any good video tutorials floating around for the fundamentals of HUD definitions and what stats are better than others for different types of games ? I am still a novice in regards to most of this, but willing to have a go.

I was also considering getting some coaching (originally through 2+2), if that is something available through this site (yes, look for "Search" button first).

Regards
kolonel

http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...50.html#732890

This might help; it's Robb's HEM setup and might give you an idea of what some people use and maybe help set up your own.

Appreciate the link, Gobbatino, will check it out.

Want to start analysing some HH, and get some insights where i am going wrong at times. It's these times that i feel i am really letting myself and my game down. Appreciate any feedback.

#1.....Too passive ? Considering the stage of the game, and then bad betting on the Turn trying to represent, then panick betting on the River ?

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.20 Tournament, 50/100 Blinds (3 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

BB (t4520)
Button (t6185)
Hero (SB) (t2795)

Hero's M: 18.63

Preflop: Hero is SB with 3, A
1 fold, Hero calls t50, BB checks

Flop: (t200) 5, J, 8 (2 players)
Hero checks, BB bets t100, Hero calls t100

Turn: (t400) 5 (2 players)
Hero bets t550, BB calls t550

River: (t1500) 7 (2 players)
Hero bets t2045 (All-In), BB calls t2045

Total pot: t5590

#2...... Am i rushing into shove here, considering UTG raise PF ? There has been a few times i feel i am not positionaly aware, or am i reading too much into it ?

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.20 Tournament, 75/150 Blinds (5 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

SB (t1285)
BB (t2400)
UTG (t4615)
MP (t4045)
Hero (Button) (t1155)

Hero's M: 5.13

Preflop: Hero is Button with 7, A
UTG bets t300, 1 fold, Hero raises to t1155 (All-In), 2 folds, UTG calls t855

Flop: (t2535) 8, 5, 3 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Turn: (t2535) 2 (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: (t2535) J (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: t2535

#3.........Am i right to believe that this is not Setmining 101 ? Got to stop myself thinking that something will come, and stop spewing chips to find out ?

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.15 Tournament, 10/20 Blinds (10 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

CO (t1500)
Button (t1540)
SB (t1480)
BB (t1500)
UTG (t1480)
Hero (UTG+1) (t1500)
UTG+2 (t1500)
MP1 (t1500)
MP2 (t1500)
MP3 (t1500)

Hero's M: 50.00

Preflop: Hero is UTG+1 with 7, 7
UTG calls t20, Hero calls t20, 3 folds, MP3 calls t20, CO calls t20, 1 fold, SB calls t10, BB bets t40, UTG raises to t60, Hero calls t40, MP3 calls t40, CO calls t40, 1 fold, BB calls t20

Flop: (t320) 9, 4, 3 (5 players)
BB checks, UTG checks, Hero checks, MP3 checks, CO bets t100, BB calls t100, 1 fold, Hero calls t100, MP3 calls t100

Turn: (t720) 6 (4 players)
BB checks, Hero checks, MP3 checks, CO bets t200, 1 fold, Hero calls t200, MP3 calls t200

River: (t1320) 5 (3 players)
Hero bets t1140 (All-In), MP3 calls t1140 (All-In), 1 fold

Total pot: t3600

#4.......Bet size weak from UTG (stop limping), and to push him off his hand ? 1st hand of the game.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.20 Tournament, 10/20 Blinds (9 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

Button (t1500)
SB (t1500)
BB (t1500)
UTG (t1500)
Hero (UTG+1) (t1500)
MP1 (t1500)
MP2 (t1500)
MP3 (t1500)
CO (t1500)

Hero's M: 50.00

Preflop: Hero is UTG+1 with A, J
1 fold, Hero calls t20, 4 folds, Button calls t20, SB calls t10, BB checks

Flop: (t80) J, 5, 9 (4 players)
SB checks, BB checks, Hero bets t60, 1 fold, SB calls t60, 1 fold

Turn: (t200) K (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets t80, SB calls t80

River: (t360) 10 (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets t220, SB raises to t440, Hero folds

Total pot: t800


Regards
kolonel

9 games tonight. These games are ever so frustrating, but i will persist to beat it.


#1 Not sure why i just called UTG+1

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.20 Tournament, 10/20 Blinds (9 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

Button (t1500)
SB (t1500)
BB (t1500)
UTG (t1500)
Hero (UTG+1) (t1500)
MP1 (t1500)
MP2 (t1500)
MP3 (t1500)
CO (t1500)

Hero's M: 50.00

Preflop: Hero is UTG+1 with A, J
1 fold, Hero calls t20, 4 folds, Button calls t20, SB calls t10, BB checks

Flop: (t80) J, 5, 9 (4 players)
SB checks, BB checks, Hero bets t60, 1 fold, SB calls t60, 1 fold

Turn: (t200) K (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets t80, SB calls t80

River: (t360) 10 (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets t220, SB raises to t440, Hero folds

Total pot: t800

#2.........Noy sure whether checking the River was right here ???

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.15 Tournament, 25/50 Blinds 5 Ante (10 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

UTG+1 (t1895)
UTG+2 (t2455)
MP1 (t1200)
MP2 (t895)
MP3 (t1570)
CO (t455)
Button (t1315)
SB (t2405)
Hero (BB) (t1565)
UTG (t1245)

Hero's M: 12.52

Preflop: Hero is BB with Q, 10
2 folds, UTG+2 calls t50, 5 folds, SB calls t25, Hero checks

Flop: (t200) Q, 8, J (3 players)
SB checks, Hero bets t180, 1 fold, SB calls t180

Turn: (t560) A (2 players)
SB checks, Hero checks

River: (t560) 7 (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets t450, SB calls t450

Total pot: t1460

#3......I have read that PP should be raised, and that they should be called for set value. Early stages, call all PP....raise mid+ PP late game ?

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.15 Tournament, 25/50 Blinds 5 Ante (7 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

UTG (t2075)
MP1 (t1480)
MP2 (t1660)
CO (t2695)
Button (t3330)
Hero (SB) (t1945)
BB (t1815)

Hero's M: 17.68

Preflop: Hero is SB with 9, 9
UTG calls t50, 2 folds, CO calls t50, 1 fold, Hero bets t200, 1 fold, UTG calls t150, 1 fold

Flop: (t535) Q, 4, 4 (2 players)
Hero checks, UTG bets t500, Hero folds

Total pot: t535

#4.....A little more aggresive on the flop perhaps ?

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.15 Tournament, 25/50 Blinds 5 Ante (7 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

UTG (t2075)
MP1 (t1480)
MP2 (t1660)
CO (t2695)
Button (t3330)
Hero (SB) (t1945)
BB (t1815)

Hero's M: 17.68

Preflop: Hero is SB with 9, 9
UTG calls t50, 2 folds, CO calls t50, 1 fold, Hero bets t200, 1 fold, UTG calls t150, 1 fold

Flop: (t535) Q, 4, 4 (2 players)
Hero checks, UTG bets t500, Hero folds

Total pot: t535

Now just using stats off HEM.

Total games ----------- 36
ROI ---------------------- -13%
ITM ---------------------- 47.1%
BR ----------------------- $46.67
FPP ---------------------- 92

Regards
kolonel

OK, switched to Turbo DoN's, and enjoying them a lot more. Average game time is about 20-25 mins, so i can easily get through them, watch some vids, and go through some HH.

Also interested if anyone is playing these games and using a HUD ? If so, are there really any stats you can use during these quick game style play ?



Was a bit iffy whether to play this as it was still 8 handed, to an active player (40/16). Effectively, 6th highest stack, and needed to make a move soon. Should i be a bit more patient, and wait for next orbit to make a move ?

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.10 Tournament, 100/200 Blinds 20 Ante (8 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

UTG (t4155)
UTG+1 (t160)
MP1 (t570)
MP2 (t1660)
CO (t2240)
Button (t1475)
SB (t3710)
Hero (BB) (t1030)

Hero's M: 2.24

Preflop: Hero is BB with 2, A
4 folds, CO bets t400, 2 folds, Hero raises to t1010 (All-In), CO calls t610

Flop: (t2280) 4, 6, Q (2 players, 1 all-in)

Turn: (t2280) 2 (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: (t2280) 3 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: t2280

Total games ----------- 44
ROI ---------------------- -8.1%
ITM ---------------------- 50.0%
BR ----------------------- $47.87
FPP ---------------------- 100

Regards
kolonel

OK, switched to Turbo DoN's, and enjoying them a lot more. Average game time is about 20-25 mins, so i can easily get through them, watch some vids, and go through some HH.

Also interested if anyone is playing these games and using a HUD ? If so, are there really any stats you can use during these quick game style play ?



Was a bit iffy whether to play this as it was still 8 handed, to an active player (40/16). Effectively, 6th highest stack, and needed to make a move soon. Should i be a bit more patient, and wait for next orbit to make a move ?

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.10 Tournament, 100/200 Blinds 20 Ante (8 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

UTG (t4155)
UTG+1 (t160)
MP1 (t570)
MP2 (t1660)
CO (t2240)
Button (t1475)
SB (t3710)
Hero (BB) (t1030)

Hero's M: 2.24

Preflop: Hero is BB with 2, A
4 folds, CO bets t400, 2 folds, Hero raises to t1010 (All-In), CO calls t610

Flop: (t2280) 4, 6, Q (2 players, 1 all-in)

Turn: (t2280) 2 (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: (t2280) 3 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: t2280

Total games ----------- 44
ROI ---------------------- -8.1%
ITM ---------------------- 50.0%
BR ----------------------- $47.87
FPP ---------------------- 100

Regards
kolonel

Barely played tonight, as i considered having the night off. Gets a bit addictive this poker stuff, but dont tell the wife

Starting to get a good feel for the DoNs, and hoping to be a consistant winning player at them. I actually have better results in DoNs than i do overall (63.6% vs 51.1% ITM). Bankroll still stagnant, but only time and more games can change that.

Still get a bit impatient, and not pushing at the right time. I seem to overlook early raise, and have been called on just about every one of them that i can remember. This was tonights "moment" :

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.10 Tournament, 75/150 Blinds 15 Ante (6 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

MP (t3745)
CO (t3045)
Button (t2010)
Hero (SB) (t1175)
BB (t3495)
UTG (t1530)

Hero's M: 3.73

Preflop: Hero is SB with J, K
UTG bets t300, 3 folds, Hero raises to t1160 (All-In), 1 fold, UTG calls t860

Flop: (t2560) 10, 5, 4 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Turn: (t2560) Q (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: (t2560) 3 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: t2560

I will learn one day

Regards
kolonel

Had a couple days with the family, and decided to hit the tables a bit fresher.

Well, the roller coaster ride continues. Can't quite finish of some of these games at the moment. Have done some more reading, and a couple more vids, but just seem to be coming up a bit short. I seem to find myself vulnerable in chip stacks , when i have 1-3/8 players fighting with less chips. It's the times when i play almost ATC, when i should actually be playing a bit tighter. I also seem to be a light on stealing, which is definately a part of my game i want to work on.

So far, I have played a total of 21 DoN's with the following finishing placings :

1st >>>>>> 11
6th >>>>>> 5
8th >>>>>> 4
9th >>>>>> 1

The 9th i got was when i self destructed. Seems to be a familiar pattern when i bomb out, and need to be more aware of what is going on at the table. Also need to work heavily on ranges as well to better my focus on the game --

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00+$0.10 Tournament, 50/100 Blinds 10 Ante (9 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

MP1 (t1730)
MP2 (t1275)
MP3 (t1320)
CO (t1660)
Button (t3110)
SB (t1125)
Hero (BB) (t1675)
UTG (t1695)
UTG+1 (t1410)

Hero's M: 6.98

Preflop: Hero is BB with 7, Q
2 folds, MP1 calls t100, 5 folds, Hero checks

Flop: (t340) Q, 9, 6 (2 players)
Hero bets t300, MP1 raises to t600, Hero raises to t1565 (All-In), MP1 calls t965

Turn: (t3470) 3 (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: (t3470) 5 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: t3470


Total games ----------- 21
ROI ---------------------- -4.8%
ITM ---------------------- 52.4%
BR ----------------------- $45.57
FPP ---------------------- 113

So in total, not the worse for a complete beginner, but some hard work to become a winning player.

Regards
kolonel

**** edit **** After reading the boku thread $100 >> $10000, it inspired me to play a 45man MTT and picked up a 5th.....woot

My first case of tilt today. Absolutely spat it. Couldn't believe what i was getting called with. Standard tilt story i guess. Gotta laugh it off and move on i suppose.

7 DoNs played for 1 win, and a 45MTT for 9th, so i need to walk away from it for today, and restart tomorrow. My heaviest loss for any given day.

Total games ----------- 27
ROI ---------------------- -19.2%
ITM ---------------------- 44.4%
BR ----------------------- $42.77
FPP ---------------------- 121

Aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggghhhhhhhhhh. I feel better now that i have got that off my chest.

Regards
kolonel

It has been about a week now, and i have switched my focus over to DoN's. I have been up and down as a player, and at one stage was a doing alright (IMO). It doesn't take long for things to change tho.

I haven't had any formal training in these, and was flying blind along the way, and picking up some wins maybe by chance. So i decided to take the time and invest in some coaching.

Just spent over an hour with Moculon the other night on the Hand Replayer/SNGET on a couple of my losing games, and in that short time, helped me find some areas that i can easily improve my game, and get me back on the right path again.

Anyone looking at getting into this style of game, i would highly recommend some one on one time with him. It was very concise, easy going, and most importantly, educational.

I will continue to play some on PS, but will probably look at jumping over to another site, and start fresh at a higher level that i am BR for.

Thanks again Moculon.

Funny Story

Was in the middle of running a few games today, had just started up 3 more.....bang....internet goes down for 2 hours. I had literaly just started all games , and then no more.

When it all got back up and running, i checked my email for the worst. Lo and behold, i actually won one of them (see below).



PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, 1.1 Tournament, 100/200 Blinds 20 Ante (6 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

UTG (t6780)
MP (t700)
CO (t3315)
Hero (Button) (t315)
SB (t3060)
BB (t830)

Hero's M: 0.75

Preflop: Hero is Button with 8, 4
2 folds, CO calls t200, 1 fold, SB calls t100, BB bets t810 (All-In), 1 fold, SB calls t610

Flop: (t1940) A, 3, 10 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Turn: (t1940) 2 (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: (t1940) 6 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: t1940




Overall, on the improve from my stats over 2 weeks ago.

Since i had my coaching with Moculon, i have had 13 games for 11 wins (10 out of 10 from games played), including 1 from 3 from the outage, so i am pretty rapt.

Total games ------------- 43
ROI ---------------------- 1.5% <<<<>>>>>> been a while since positive
ITM ---------------------- 55.8% <<<<<>>>> goal is to get it to around 65-70% now

Anyways, will be watching the Aussies crush the Poms in the ashes on TV, so no more games tonight.

Regards
kolonel

Been flat out at work and family commitments, so haven't had too many chances to play recently. I know these aren't shattering numbers, but still working on increasing my winning stats.

Total games ------------- 53
ROI ---------------------- 2.9%
ITM ---------------------- 56.6%

Who here plays DoN's on a regular basis ? If so, was there a big adjustment from $1 >> $5 variety ?

Also if anyone is interested in learning how to play these better, and use a strategy that has a positive affect, it would be worth catching up with one of the guys at GrinderSchool names Moculon (Steve).

Since my coaching seesion with him, my stats are :

Total games ------------- 24
ROI ---------------------- 36.4%
ITM ---------------------- 75.0%

As you can compare with the figures above, a big turnaround, and anyone with a tight BR, you will find him well worth it and should get a lot out of it.

I know this might sound like a shameless plug, but i am reading more posts in regards to DoN's and i am sure there are people out there who are too scared to ask some questions.

Anyways, good luck on the tables.

Regards
kolonel